More than 100 secondary school students acquired a taste of what it is like to work in agriculture at the Department of Agriculture and Food’s careers day at Manjimup Horticultural Research Station.
Department specialists designed and conducted interactive workshops with students from Kearnan College, Manjimup Senior High School, Pemberton District High School and Harvey Agricultural College, in conjunction with local industry representatives.
Department development officer Alison Mathews said the day was designed to provide students with an insight into the wide range of jobs available in the agriculture sector.
“Participating students had an opportunity to experience what it’s like to work as a plant pathologist, in communications or as a value-adding business manager,” Ms Mathews said.
“The students enjoyed completing hands-on activities on topics ranging from soils, irrigation, pathology, pasture and livestock to communications, food quality and training pathways.
“Local industry champions were also on-hand to share their perspectives on interesting career choices in the sector and hopefully inspire students to consider jobs in agriculture and food.
“Agrifood Skills Australia, the Apprenticeship and Trainee Company, Southern Forests Food Council, Farm Link, Heritage Seeds, Rural Skills Australia, Sally’s Sparking Grape Juice and the Manjimup Bridgetown Times were represented.”
Ms Mathews said positive feedback was received from students and teachers, with many remarking on the amount they learnt about agricultural careers and their enjoyment of the practical activities.
“Today was definitely interesting and was a good way to see different careers,” a Manjimup Senior High School student said.
“I learnt much about agriculture and enjoyed the hands-on activities,” a Kearnan College student said.
Ms Mathews said the day was made possible with support from Agrifood Skills Australia National Regional Initiative and local Buy West Eat Best member Bannister Downs Dairy which donated flavoured milk for the students.
It was the biggest careers day in the event’s five year history.
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